Ego

Broadly cloassified, there are 2 types of egos. Ayn Rand, in her 2 books has described 2 such "egoist" personalities.

Howard Roark in "The Fountainhead":
The book's title is a reference to Ayn Rand's statement that "man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress". In the book, Howard Roark is an architect who prefers to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision by pandering to the prevailing taste in building design. Howard Roark lives for himself and his own creativity, indifferent to the opinions of others. Thus, the character depicts ego which built in the positive direction. Here, Ayn Rand conveys that - the ego is supreme, and individualism and selfishness are virtues to be treasured.

James Taggart in "Atlas Shrugged":
In contrast to Howard Roark, James Taggart is not the hero in this this book, nor does he have any individualism. He has no ideas of his own. He is the President of Taggart Transcontinental - a leading railroad company. He is an expert influence peddler who is incapable of making decisions on his own. And he relies on his sister Dagny Taggart to actually run the railroad, but nonetheless opposes her in almost every endeavor. With his character, his egoist attitude comes to the front. He is incapable, but not willing to accept it. His remarks to Dagny, who saves him from all his incorrect decisions are really idiotic. Had James been clever but incapable, he would have let Dagny do all the work for him without opposing her; and things would have been better for himself. He is a person who would ruin himself, to save his ego.

There are many people like James Taggart around us. But to be Howard Roark, it very difficult!